Hospitals and clinics across Ahmedabad are seeing a sharp rise in patients suffering from viral fever, gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, vomiting and other water-borne infections during the monsoon. Doctors say these illnesses account for more than 70% of cases in some outpatient departments (OPDs).
Doctors said the trend is common during the rainy season, but the continued increase in patients reporting fever, body ache, weakness and fatigue is a concern.
Dr Hitesh Patel, senior physician at Jivraj Mehta Hospital, said more than 70% of OPD patients were being treated for viral fever, with many also reporting loose motions, vomiting, abdominal cramps and dehydration. Cases of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue are also being reported.
He said the rise in gastrointestinal infections was particularly worrying, as heavy showers, waterlogging and possible contamination of drinking water can increase the risk of infection.
Dr Pragnesh Vachharajani, secretary of the Federation of Family Physicians Associations of India, said changing weather conditions and an inconsistent monsoon were contributing to the rise in viral fever. He noted that some patients were experiencing fever for five to seven days, compared with two to three days earlier.
Doctors advised people to seek medical attention if fever or other symptoms persist for more than 24 hours. They also stressed the importance of drinking safe water, maintaining food hygiene, avoiding uncovered street food and preventing stagnant water from collecting around homes.
Dr Nehal Sadhu, president of the Association of Physicians of Ahmedabad (APA), advised people to eat seasonal and freshly cooked food, drink warm water and exercise regularly. He also urged elderly people who go for morning walks to avoid going out too early, as dengue mosquitoes are active during morning hours.